Two Canton officers are charged in the death of Frank Tyson

Two Canton officers have been charged with third-degree felonies in connection with the death of Frank Tyson, according to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.

Beau Schoenege and Camden Birch were charged with negligent homicide, according to authorities.

What happened

Canton police said on April 19 that a 53-year-old man, later identified as Frank Tyson, died while in police custody after fleeing a hit-and-run crash.

Officers found a utility pole and Tyson’s empty car in the road, Canton police said. Police found Tyson a short distance away after witnesses pointed them to the AMVETS house down the street.

Canton police said Tyson struggled with officers during the arrest and became unresponsive after being handcuffed. CPR and several doses of Narcan were administered before paramedics arrived.

Tyson was taken to Altman Hospital, where police pronounced him dead at 9:18 p.m.

Canton police later released video of Tyson’s arrest. In the video, Tyson says, “They’re trying to kill me,” and also says, “I can’t breathe.”

Community reaction

American civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy at the funeral. Attorney Ben Crump, who represented the families of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, as well as Tyson’s family, was also among those who spoke.

During the eulogy, Sharpton urged the community to “stand up for Frank Tyson!”

Reverend Al Sharpton delivers the eulogy at Frank Tyson’s funeral

In May, protesters demonstrated for Tyson at Central Plaza in downtown Canton.

“In 2020, when it was George Floyd, it was a different time. I know we could have lost a lot less at that point, but it’s just as important,” said Sierra Mason, a local community activist.

Protesters for “Justice for Frank Tyson” in Canton Friday night

The death was officially ruled a homicide

News 5 reported on August 12 that the Stark County Coroner ruled Tyson’s death a homicide.

Again, the controversial technique of arrest was at the center of the case. This time it was Tyson’s high-profile death in Canton.

Renowned police expert and law professor Seth Stoughton found Tyson’s death puzzling in the post-George Floyd era.

Controversial arrest tactics at the center of the Frank Tyson case

what’s next

Stark County District Attorney Kyle L. Stone announced Friday that a press conference regarding the grand jury’s decision in the Tyson case will be held on November 2 at 12:00 p.m.

News 5 will be present.

We follow

Want us to keep following the story? Let us know.